Place of birth: Hamburg, Iowa

Family: Wife, Jami Sue; four children, Annie, Garrison, Haven and Amelia; three stepchildren, J.P., Laura and Katy.

Q: When did you move to the Basehor area, and what brought you here?

A: I came in 2010 for the opportunity to teach in Leavenworth County.

Q: What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?

A: Running the Pike’s Peak Marathon.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

A: Don’t ever, ever, ever give up.

Q: What three things would you want people to know about you?

A: I love to ride my mountain bicycle; I have read all of John Grisham’s novels; Kingsford charcoal makes for the best grilling.

Q: What did you want to be when you grew up?

A: A teacher.

Q: What’s your ideal vacation spot?

A: Rocky Mountain National Park or Yellowstone National Park.

Favorites:

Song: “Hero” by Mariah Carey

Color: forest green

Food: Kung Po Chicken at Bo Ling’s